About Me

Current Position

I am a full time practicing barrister, specialising in all matters relating to construction and property (including associated financial and company law matters).

I am an Accredited Adjudicator and Mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

I have been involved in numerous disputes involving conciliation, arbitration, adjudication and litigation. Throughout my previous career as a Quantity Surveyor I oversaw works with a combined value of over €600m.

A Broad Perspective

All too often construction professionals have weighted experience on the client or contractor side, my previous experience as client's QS, builder's QS and as client ensures that I understand every aspect of construction disputes and bring a balanced perspective to the table.

Now as a barrister I utilise all my contract knowledge and industry experience to address every possible issue, or rebut every possible claim, whilst at the same time accurately advising parties as to the strengths and weaknesses in these matters.

As a pre contract advisor I approach every aspect of the process in a defensive manner. I am of the view that legal and financial certainty at the outset of commercial dealings is the key to delivering projects satisfactorily. To this end my pre contract approach is aggressive, but fair, to ensure all parties are fully aware of their obligations and rights, thereby ensuring any subsequent disagreements can be managed without damaging reputations or relationships.

Ongoing Professional Development

In 2015 I completed the Diploma in Mediation in order to complete the suite of service to include mediation and conciliation. I spend a significant amount of time giving talks and courses on Irish construction law matters and preparing the papers associated with this.

History

Prior to establishing Waldron Dispute Resolution, I ran a successful Quantity Surveying Practice, overseeing the construction of over €300m worth of projects from 2004 until 2010. With the collapse of the construction industry the firm ceased trading and I changed my focus to dispute resolution.

I started out my professional career as a builders Quantity Surveyor working with Bennett (Construction) Limited and Willow Park Construction Limited. In both companies I was Senior QS and oversaw the construction of some of the most prestigious buildings completed of their time; including the renovation of Stack A in Custom House Quay into the now impressive CHQ, the construction of the new State Agricultural Laboratories, recognised as one of the most advanced facilities of its kind, the demolition of the old Dalkey Island Hotel and the construction of the Coliemore Apartments. I also oversaw the construction of many more projects including industrial, commercial, residential and educational.

I also started my own development company in 1998; this venture was halted by the collapse in the Irish property market in 2008 and I continue to work my way out of these developments.